Info about Clock Tower: Rewind:

Official game description:
Turn back the clock for one of the pioneers of the survival-horror genre. Translated and released outside of Japan for the first time, Clock Tower: Rewind is a revival of the terror-inducing 16-bit classic that dares you to explore the haunting confines of the Barrows family manor. As teenage orphan Jennifer, you must search every disturbing corner to find items, reveal secrets, and discover ways to evade Scissorman, a murderous, unstoppable, shears-wielding psychopath.  
Play Original mode to experience Clock Tower as it was when initially released in 1995, or play Rewind mode with extra content and improvements. Additional features include a new animated intro, opening and ending vocal theme songs, motion comics, creator interview, art gallery, border artwork, save states, and a music player. The clock is ticking...can you survive?  
Key Features:  
• The survival-horror classic, Clock Tower, officially translated and brought out of Japan for the first time  
• Choose from Original mode or Rewind mode, which features numerous gameplay additions and quality-of-life refinements  
• Run, hide, and survive as you attempt to evade the psychotic Scissorman  
• Atmospheric 2D art, detailed animations, and haunting sound effects augment the tense point-and-click gameplay  
• Multiple endings and randomized gameplay elements maximize replayability (and jump scares)  
• New animated opening, motion-comics with VO, and vocal theme song performed by Mary Elizabeth McGlynn  
• Featuring an art gallery, music player, behind-the-scenes creator interview, save states, and other modern inclusions

Release date: Oct 28, 2024

Categories: Point-and-click Adventure, Survival Horror, Multiple Endings, Exploration, Puzzle Solving, Retro, Atmospheric Horror

Feature scans:
- Wiki: score 50; verdict: Moderate External Data Dependency (Student Tier); summary: The primary complaints center on the need for external guidance to uncover hidden mechanics and endings, compounded by a language barrier in the in-game guide, and a critical alt-tab bug that breaks text readability. These issues create a moderate dependency on external data for learning and navigation.
- Steam Deck: score 10; verdict: Seamless on Steam Deck with minor hiccup; summary: The game is generally reported to work on Steam Deck without major issues. One user encountered a launch failure that was resolved by reinstalling the game. No external launchers, anti-cheat problems, or unreadable UI were mentioned.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $10.00 - $15.00
  - Reasoning: The community largely agrees that the full $20 price is steep for a nearly 30-year-old game, with many recommending waiting for a sale. A half-price purchase at $10 is frequently cited as worthwhile, while some consider the full price acceptable but still prefer a discount. This suggests a fair price range of $10-$15.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 11.0h
  - Story completion: 3.0h
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: Game completion is supported by the explicit 11-hour claim for all endings. Story completion is supported by the 2-hour true-ending playthrough and the 3-hour short-game estimate, indicating a typical first playthrough around 2-3 hours; I use 3 hours as a representative value. Session length has no direct evidence, so it is null. Endgame time is not quantified; the grind for all endings is mentioned but no specific hours are given, so it is null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Clock Tower Rewind has a steep learning curve and slow pacing early on, but players who persist and acclimate to its mechanics find it engaging and addictive.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: After acclimating to the controls and mechanics
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: slow animations; lack of tutorial and objectives; steep learning curve; unintuitive mechanics; backtracking; pacing issues
  - Unlock drivers: getting used to the controls; learning the mechanics; knowing the ins and outs of the game
  - Conditions: first-time player; willingness to backtrack; patience with slow animations; persistence through the learning curve
- Player Archetypes:
  - Retro Preservationist (sale)
    - Motivation: Preserving and experiencing a classic horror game with authenticity, supporting the series' legacy.
    - Playstyle: Plays the original mode, uses patches to avoid intrusive achievements, and values the historical significance of the release.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: massive fan of the SNES Clock Tower game
    - Reference games: N/A
  - First-Time Newcomer (buy)
    - Motivation: Experiencing a classic horror game with modern conveniences that lower the barrier to entry.
    - Playstyle: Plays the Rewind mode, uses QoL features, and follows tips to overcome the learning curve.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: first-time player
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Achievement Hunter (no buy)
    - Motivation: Completing all achievements and endings, but hindered by intrusive UI elements.
    - Playstyle: Grinds for all endings, uses guides, and avoids the overlay by switching to patched versions or waiting for fixes.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Horror Genre Enthusiast (buy)
    - Motivation: Enjoying the horror atmosphere, point-and-click puzzles, and retro survival horror experience.
    - Playstyle: Explores environments, solves puzzles, and embraces the tension and trial-and-error gameplay.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Resident Evil


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Multiple distinct endings (weight 0.22): Players mention the game features eight or nine distinct endings that depend on player choices and actions. This variety adds significant replay value and encourages exploration of different decision paths.
- Highly replayable due to randomization (weight 0.21): Players highlight that each playthrough offers a new experience because items, rooms, and puzzle requirements change randomly. This semi-randomization keeps gameplay fresh and encourages multiple playthroughs.
- Overall excellent and enjoyable (weight 0.2): Reviewers consistently praise the game as very good, enjoyable, and one of the best in its genre. It is described as a satisfying experience that holds up remarkably well over time.
- Effective scares and jump scares (weight 0.15): The game is noted for being surprisingly scary, with well-placed jump scares and random RNG elements that keep players on edge. The horror moments are genuinely creepy and contribute to the tense atmosphere.
- Rewind mode is appreciated (weight 0.15): The Rewind mode is praised as a quality-of-life feature that helps with trial-and-error sections and offers a different way to play. It is considered a nice optional addition that enhances the experience.
- Pioneer of psychological horror (weight 0.13): The game is recognized as one of the first great psychological horror games and a pioneer of the survival horror genre. It defined psychological horror and has a significant contribution to the genre.
- Great animated intro (weight 0.12): The animated intro is highly praised for its quality, including the new theme song, vocals, and art. It is described as beautiful and well-made, setting a strong tone for the game.
- Good music and sound (weight 0.12): The music is generally praised as good, beautiful, thrilling, and catchy. The sound effects and overall audio design are considered charming and contribute positively to the experience.
- Classic horror worth playing (weight 0.12): The game is regarded as a horror classic that has been preserved and remains an adequate horror experience. It is recommended for fans of old horrors and retro players, highlighting its timeless quality.
- Nice extras included (weight 0.1): The package includes a lot of extras that are considered a nice bonus and worth the price. These extras add value to the overall purchase and are appreciated by players.
- Official multilingual translations (weight 0.1): The game has official multilingual translations and is now officially released in the west in English and other languages. This broadens accessibility and is appreciated by non-English speakers.
- Charming pixel art (weight 0.08): The 16-bit 2D pixel art is described as wonderful and charming, with beautiful scenery and character animations. The art style is a key aesthetic appeal.
- Fun to replay (weight 0.07): Replaying the game is genuinely fun and it is great to go back to. The first playthrough is enjoyable, and subsequent runs remain engaging.

Common complaints:
- Controls are dated and clunky (weight 0.25): Multiple reviews highlight that the control scheme is outdated, awkward, and cumbersome, making the game hard to get used to. Issues include uncomfortable pad and keyboard controls, and unsmooth cursor movement.
- Game pace is too slow (weight 0.21): Players frequently complain that the game's pace is unnecessarily slow, with slow animations and drawn-out actions making gameplay feel sluggish and frustrating. This may not appeal to modern players.
- Obstructive unlock pop-ups (weight 0.19): Full-screen pop-up notifications for unlocking features or cutscenes block the view, ruin immersion, and can even lead to death. These notifications linger for several seconds and are considered obnoxious.
- Endings require a guide (weight 0.13): The game's strict ending conditions are unfriendly, making it hard to achieve desired endings without a guide. Replaying the same beginning segment repeatedly is necessary for all endings.
- Performance issues and crashes (weight 0.09): The game suffers from graphical issues, crashes, and lag that are more frequent than in the original or emulated versions. This indicates poor optimization.
- Missing mouse sensitivity option (weight 0.06): There is no options menu to adjust mouse sensitivity, which is a significant oversight for a PC re-release. This makes aiming and cursor control less comfortable.
- Menus not mouse-friendly (weight 0.06): The mouse cannot be used on all menu screens, forcing players to rely on keyboard or controller. This is an accessibility and usability issue.
- Puzzles are frustrating (weight 0.06): Some puzzles are obtuse and frustrating to solve, potentially causing players to get stuck. This adds to the overall difficulty for newcomers.
- Poor emulation quality (weight 0.06): The game is described as a shoddy emulation, with performance issues and a lack of polish compared to the original. This detracts from the overall experience.
- Limited replay value (weight 0.06): The game has little lifespan and does not survive the passage of time, meaning it offers limited replayability. This is a concern for players considering the price.
- Overpriced for old content (weight 0.06): The game is considered expensive for an old title, with the price not matching the content offered. This is a common complaint among reviewers.
- Rewind feature too short (weight 0.06): The Rewind feature's window is too short to be useful, often not enough to escape a dead end. This reduces its effectiveness as a quality-of-life tool.
- Challenging for beginners (weight 0.06): The game is too difficult for first-timers, with a steep learning curve. This may discourage new players from continuing.
- No in-game map (weight 0.06): The absence of a map is annoying, making navigation difficult. Players must rely on memory or external resources.
- Unintuitive game mechanics (weight 0.06): Some gameplay mechanics are strange and not intuitive, requiring players to experiment or look up guides. This adds to the game's overall clunkiness.

Gameplay feedback:
- Point-and-click survival horror (weight 0.42): The game is consistently described as a point-and-click survival horror experience, blending classic adventure mechanics with horror elements. This genre combination is a core aspect of the game's identity.
- Multiple endings with choices (weight 0.34): The game features multiple endings, with most reviews noting nine distinct endings (eight visible and one secret) that change based on player actions. This provides significant replayability and encourages exploration of different choices.
- Randomized elements and RNG (weight 0.3): The game incorporates random elements, including item placements, room locations, and enemy spawns, which vary between playthroughs. This RNG adds unpredictability and replay value, but some players may find it frustrating.
- Rewind mode included (weight 0.24): The game includes two main modes: the original and a new Rewind mode, which allows players to rewind a few seconds of gameplay. This feature is highlighted as a quality-of-life improvement, making the game more accessible.
- Scissorman stalker mechanic (weight 0.22): A central feature is the Scissorman, a pursuer who chases the player from room to room and cannot be fought, only fled from or hidden from. This stalker mechanic creates tension and is a defining element of the horror experience.
- Classic horror game (weight 0.2): The game is widely recognized as a classic survival horror title, often cited as a pioneer of the genre. Its old-school design and influence on later horror games are frequently mentioned.
- SNES-era pixel graphics (weight 0.18): The game features 16-bit SNES-style pixel graphics, which are a key part of its retro aesthetic. It is often described as a SNES port or emulated version, appealing to fans of classic gaming.
- Mansion exploration and puzzles (weight 0.13): Gameplay involves exploring a large, confusing mansion, examining items, solving simple puzzles, and collecting items while avoiding the killer. This exploration-based loop is a core part of the experience.
- Controller and mouse support (weight 0.08): The game supports both keyboard and mouse and controller input, providing flexibility for players. This is a practical feature that enhances accessibility.
- Inspired by Italian giallo films (weight 0.08): The game draws strong influences from Italian giallo cinema, particularly the works of Dario Argento like Phenomena and Suspiria. This inspiration is noted as a key artistic influence.
- Port of Clock Tower (weight 0.08): The game is a port of the original Clock Tower (1995) for the SNES, with some versions including PS1 extras. This heritage is important for fans of the series.

Performance notes:
- Performance issues with slowdown and lag (weight 0.2): Multiple reviews report noticeable slowdown and lag, especially during heavy on-screen action, which is more frequent than in the original game. This affects overall gameplay smoothness and is a common complaint.
- Steam Deck compatibility issues (weight 0.06): Initial reports indicate the game did not work on Steam Deck, though later feedback suggests it functions. This inconsistency may confuse potential buyers using that device.
- No technical issues reported (weight 0.05): A minority of players report no bugs or performance problems, indicating that the experience may vary depending on hardware or settings.
- Mouse sensitivity problems (weight 0.03): One user reports a mouse sensitivity issue, which can hinder precise control and affect gameplay, especially for aiming or menu navigation.
- CRT filter quality poor (weight 0.03): The built-in CRT filter is considered worse than what typical SNES emulators offer, disappointing players who value authentic retro visuals.
- Alt-tab breaks game display (weight 0.03): Alt-tabbing out of the game causes text to become unreadable upon return, forcing players to restart or avoid multitasking. This is a specific usability bug.

Recommendations:
- Recommended for horror fans (weight 0.4): The game is highly recommended for fans of survival horror and classic horror genres. Reviewers emphasize its appeal to enthusiasts of retro horror experiences.
- Not worth full price (weight 0.29): Several reviewers advise against purchasing the game at full price, suggesting it is overpriced for its content. They recommend waiting for a sale or discount before buying.
- Recommended for retro enthusiasts (weight 0.28): The game is particularly recommended for those who appreciate retro games and can tolerate archaic mechanics. It is seen as a nostalgic trip for connoisseurs of classic titles.
- Recommended for Clock Tower fans (weight 0.15): Fans of the Clock Tower series are strongly encouraged to purchase the game. It is considered a must-have for long-term fans or those who missed it due to region locks.
- Not for modern gamers (weight 0.14): The game may not appeal to younger or modern gamers due to its slow gameplay and dated mechanics. It is best suited for those with nostalgic feelings or a tolerance for old-school quirks.
- Use a guide for endings (weight 0.11): Reviewers suggest using a guide to navigate the game, especially for achieving all endings. The game can be difficult to play without guidance, and using a guide saves time.
- Rewind mode recommended (weight 0.1): The enhanced Rewind mode is recommended over the original mode, offering a better experience. However, some reviewers caution against it on certain platforms.
- Great for point-and-click fans (weight 0.08): The game is recommended for fans of point-and-click adventures and horror genres. It offers a classic experience that appeals to those who enjoy this specific gameplay style.
- Not recommended at all (weight 0.08): A few reviewers do not recommend the game at all, citing various reasons. They express strong dissatisfaction and advise against purchasing it.
- Best played with mouse (weight 0.06): Reviewers recommend playing with a keyboard and mouse over a controller for a better experience. Both control schemes are supported, but mouse input is preferred.
- Recommended for story lovers (weight 0.06): The game is worth trying for those who enjoy a good story and want to be creeped out and thrilled. It offers a compelling narrative experience.
- Watch playthrough if unsure (weight 0.05): If the game's mechanics sound annoying, reviewers suggest watching a playthrough instead. This allows potential players to experience the story without committing to the gameplay.
- Not for graphics enthusiasts (weight 0.03): The game is not recommended for those who prioritize modern graphics. Its 16-bit visuals may be a deterrent for players expecting high-end visuals.
- Recommended for WayForward fans (weight 0.03): Fans of other games by WayForward will likely enjoy this title. It shares similar qualities and appeals to those familiar with the developer's style.
- Recommended for RNG lovers (weight 0.03): The game is perfect for those who enjoy random number generation elements. It adds a layer of unpredictability that some players appreciate.

Other player notes:
- Port of 1995 SNES original (weight 0.39): The game is a port of Clock Tower: The First Fear from 1995 on SNES, originally a Japan-exclusive Super Famicom title. It is a re-release of the first game in the Clock Tower series.
- Remaster with extras (weight 0.38): The game is a remaster of the 1995 horror classic, including extras like motion comics, a music player, artbook, soundtrack, and an interview with Hifumi Kono. It is a restored classic with additional content.
- First official western release (weight 0.28): The game is the first official release of Clock Tower outside Japan, with an English translation and distribution in the west. This is significant for players who never experienced the original on SNES or PS1.
- Inspired by Dario Argento films (weight 0.22): The game is inspired by Italian Giallo cinema, specifically Dario Argento's films Phenomena and Suspiria. The plot and characters are strongly influenced by these horror movies.
- Short game length (weight 0.15): The game is short, taking about 3-9 hours to complete, with 4-8 hours typical for first-time players. It is not very long even when aiming for 100% completion.
- Multilingual support lacking PTBR (weight 0.13): The game offers official multilingual translations, but lacks PTBR language support. Motion comics and interviews have no French translation, with subtitles only in Japanese and English.
- Compared to Resident Evil (weight 0.12): The game is compared to Resident Evil and Silent Hill as a pioneer in survival horror mechanics, particularly the pursuer-style enemy dynamic. It contributed to the survival horror genre and is considered the mother of survival horror.
- Controller recommended (weight 0.1): Steam and the developer recommend playing with a controller, though both keyboard/mouse and controller are supported. The game is compatible with modern controls.
- Hopes for franchise ports (weight 0.09): Players hope for remakes or ports of other games in the series and Haunting Ground. The game is part of a franchise and series, with expectations for future rereleases.
- Includes original and Rewind modes (weight 0.06): The release includes both the original and Rewind versions, selectable from the main menu. The Rewind version has a save game option and a Rewind button.
- New theme song and anime opening (weight 0.05): The game includes a new theme song and anime opening, along with new music and original music. This adds to the special features of the release.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.22): Players are frustrated by the archaic and clunky controls, including overly sensitive cursor movement with no adjustable options, which makes navigation and interaction difficult. The slow pacing, cryptic progression, and intrusive full-screen pop-up notifications for unlockables further detract from the experience, often ruining tense moments or leading to deaths.
- Appreciation (weight 0.15): Players appreciate the game's pioneering role in the survival horror genre and its well-crafted atmosphere, which remains effective even today. The re-release is praised for its faithful restoration, quality-of-life improvements, and extensive bonus content, including art galleries, interviews, and new cinematics that honor the original.
- Disappointment (weight 0.11): Players are disappointed that the re-release is essentially an emulation with minimal enhancements, lacking basic features like a proper settings menu, autosave, and speed-up options. The intrusive pop-up notifications and poor technical performance, including crashes and graphical issues, make the port feel lazy and not worth the price.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.09): Players enjoy the game's tense atmosphere, thrilling music, and engaging stalker mechanics, which provide a fun and entertaining experience once the controls are understood. The multiple endings, new additions like the rewind feature, and replayability keep the gameplay fresh and enjoyable.
- Excitement (weight 0.04): Players are excited about the official English localization of the first Clock Tower, which was a long-awaited dream for fans. The enhanced cutscenes, voice acting, new content, and revamped Scissorman AI add to the thrill, making this a must-play for series enthusiasts.
- Fear (weight 0.04): Players experience genuine fear due to the game's suspenseful atmosphere, effective scares, and the unpredictable appearances of Scissorman. The helpless protagonist and haunting music contribute to a classic horror experience that remains genuinely creepy.
- Annoyance (weight 0.04): Players are annoyed by the intrusive full-screen pop-up notifications for unlocking bonus materials, which disrupt immersion and cover the screen during key moments. Additionally, glitches and the inability to disable these messages, along with the repetitive nature of multiple endings, add to the frustration.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.03): Players feel satisfied with the re-release's bonuses and enhancements, such as the rewind feature and improved save options, which make the game less frustrating to play. The ability to replay and appreciate the game years later, along with the extra content, justifies the purchase for many.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.03): Players are nostalgic about the game, recalling childhood memories of playing the original SNES version or a fan translation. The haunting music and classic experience bring back the terror of early horror games, evoking fond memories of the 2000s gaming era.
- Love (weight 0.03): Players love the game for its atmosphere, music, and sense of dread, which are enhanced by the giallo-style visuals and randomizer. Despite its age, the game is considered amazing and scary, and it remains one of the favorite horror titles for many.
- Hope (weight 0.03): Players hope that the success of this re-release will lead to remasters or ports of other games in the franchise, such as Clock Tower 2 and Haunted Ground. There is optimism that this could revitalize interest in the series and potentially bring new titles to modern platforms.
- Happiness (weight 0.02): Players are happy to finally have a legal, official release of the game, allowing them to support the developers and play on modern platforms like Steam Deck. The return of this classic horror game brings joy to fans who have waited for a proper distribution.
- Admiration (weight 0.02): Players admire the game for its iconic theme song, unique atmosphere, and genius game design, which have cemented it as a 90s masterpiece. As a pioneer of the survival horror genre, it is respected for its ability to instill fear through its fantastic atmosphere.
- Tension (weight 0.01): Players feel tension due to the unpredictable appearances of Scissorman, who can emerge from various hiding spots, keeping them on edge. The constant threat of chases and the enemy's random behavior create a sense of panic and suspense throughout the game.
- Amusement (weight 0.01): Players find amusement in the game's quirky elements, such as the contrast between the protagonist's perceived weakness and her strong actions, and the excessive RNG. The humorous role of the ham as a tool against Scissorman adds a lighthearted touch to the horror experience.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Players are surprised that a Super Nintendo game can still be scary, and that the game continues to deliver scares even after playing previous versions. The lack of film adaptations for such a popular series also comes as a surprise to some.
- Gladness (weight 0.01): Players are glad that this overlooked classic finally has a proper English release outside of Japan, bringing back childhood memories with extra content. The existence of this version is seen as a positive step for horror game fans.
- Gratitude (weight 0.01): Players are grateful for the chance to play this version of the game, thanks to WayForward's efforts in bringing a proper release to the west. This opportunity is highly valued by fans who have long awaited an official localization.
- Scared (weight 0.01): Players are scared by the jump scares, particularly from the character Scissorman, and other frightening moments in the game. These scares are effective in creating a tense and fearful atmosphere.
- Desire (weight 0.01): Players desire the release of the game's catchy soundtrack and wish for more quality-of-life features to enhance replayability. The music is particularly praised, and players want to experience it outside of the game.}